Patriot Chest, Hands on History!
The New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution has launched a new initiative to connect with the American history teachers in our state’s public, private and homeschools to provide them with additional resources and services to enhance their instruction of our nation’s founding and help their students gain a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, the effort and sacrifice our founders endured to create America.
NJSSAR members have extensive corporate knowledge of the events and issues surrounding the American Revolution and the creation of the U.S. Constitution. We are available to make class presentations (even in uniform), provide original documents, and “hands-on” items to engage students. As part of our classroom programs, we have developed a presentation called a “Patriot Chest,” an innovative program that involves showing students Revolutionary War-era items (replicas) in a chest that were used by soldiers, their families, and others in the late 18th century. A uniformed SAR member and possibly a DAR member in period dress show the items to the class, ask the students what they think they are used for, explain the items, and (for several items) pass them around for the students to inspect with their own hands. If you are interested in having us visit your class to share the items in our chest and their stories with your students, click here and click the “Patriot Chest, Hands on History Presentation” box to learn more.
Camp in a Box
The New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution partners with the friends of Washington Crossing Park to provide hands-on history programs for classrooms. Each Camp in a Box kit contains supplies and instructions for more than 20 history-themed activities that students (ages 7-12) can do at home. The activities are designed for a single user but can be adapted to accommodate multiple children or an entire classroom with additional supplies. Camp in a Box is available for $25. A member of the NJSSAR Color Guard, dressed in period clothing, will deliver the Camp in a Box to your school or is available for in-person pickup at Washington Crossing Historic Park’s gift shop. Domestic shipping is an additional $10.95.
Colonial History Chests
Colonial History Chests are perfect for schools, homeschool pods, libraries, scout troops, and other student groups. These themed trunks can be rented by teachers and other educators to facilitate in-person, hands-on programming for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Chests are available for $45 for one week. A member of the NJSSAR Color Guard, dressed in period clothing, will deliver the Patriot Chest to your school.